Maslow vs. Herzberg
How might knowledge of motivational theories help you as a Managing Director of a supermarket chain, introduce policies and practices which increases the motivation and productivity of your employees? Try to use both theory and evidence to support any specific proposals you might make.
Motivation is the set of processes that moves a person towards a goal. Since motivation influences productivity, the Managing Director would need to have knowledge of motivational theories. The motivational theories which could help me as the Managing Director introduce policies and practices which can increase the motivation and productivity of the employees will be discussed in detail.
There have been many studies carried out to answer the question if motivation can increase performance?' and different motivation theories have had different affects on staff performance and motivation. Therefore I would need to analyse the theories and then decide which would be best suited to the behaviours of my employees working at the supermarket chain. Motivation theories are focused on psychological factors and these are spitted into process or content theories. Process theories are concerned with how motivation is aroused and maintained, however content theories concentrate on what actually motivates the staff, by attempting to develop an understanding of fundamental human needs. Both types of theories will be discussed and evaluated in order for me to find the motivational theory, which is best suited to the employees at the supermarket chain.
The first comprehensive attempt to classify human needs and develop a universal motivational theory was Maslows Hierarchy. Maslow believed that everyone has the same needs, all of which can be organised as a hierarchy.
E.g. pat levels & working conditions
E.g. Job security, clear job role/description
E.g. team working, social facilities E.g. status, recognition, power, trust
E.g. develop new skills, meet new challenges and develop ones
Motivation is the set of processes that moves a person towards a goal. Since motivation influences productivity, the Managing Director would need to have knowledge of motivational theories. The motivational theories which could help me as the Managing Director introduce policies and practices which can increase the motivation and productivity of the employees will be discussed in detail.
There have been many studies carried out to answer the question if motivation can increase performance?' and different motivation theories have had different affects on staff performance and motivation. Therefore I would need to analyse the theories and then decide which would be best suited to the behaviours of my employees working at the supermarket chain. Motivation theories are focused on psychological factors and these are spitted into process or content theories. Process theories are concerned with how motivation is aroused and maintained, however content theories concentrate on what actually motivates the staff, by attempting to develop an understanding of fundamental human needs. Both types of theories will be discussed and evaluated in order for me to find the motivational theory, which is best suited to the employees at the supermarket chain.
The first comprehensive attempt to classify human needs and develop a universal motivational theory was Maslows Hierarchy. Maslow believed that everyone has the same needs, all of which can be organised as a hierarchy.
E.g. pat levels & working conditions
E.g. Job security, clear job role/description
E.g. team working, social facilities E.g. status, recognition, power, trust
E.g. develop new skills, meet new challenges and develop ones
Bibliography: • Hannagan, T. (2002) Management Concepts and Practices, 3rd Edition, FT/Prentice Hall • Griffiths, A. and Wall, S. eds. (2005) Economics for Business and Management: A Student Text, FT/Prentice Hall • Marcouse, I. (1999) Business Studies, Holder and Stoughton, ISBN:0340704624